The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) like Mr. Milton Samuda, will await the full investigation of the RJR Communications Group into the matter of the erasing of tapes of journalists. In the interim, a special meeting of the PAJ will be convened to further discuss the attorney’s statement.

The PAJ wishes to however point out, that in a frank and open discussion with Mr. Samuda and his team, some of the issues raised were individual opinions stated by members and not the final, official and publicly – stated opinion of the PAJ.

On the issue of ‘payola’, it was suggested by Mr. Samuda to the meeting that there was a ‘private arrangement’ between the journalists and the publicist. This led to a probe by the PAJ team as to the full meaning of this statement. Mr. Samuda offered no further explanation. He was then asked bluntly if ‘payola’ was involved. No further clarity was provided.